Pub raiders armed with hammers, GC gas and a firearm, who stole £200 and left a woman with a broken jaw, are being hunted by Greater Manchester Police.
The three male assailants entered the Church Inn on Cambridge Street, Hulme at 3.15am on Monday January 11.
They then carried out a violent attack on the four occupants demanding their mobile phones, valuables and contents of the pub’s safe.
Detective Constable Kate Kerrigan said: “This was a very serious aggravated burglary, in which four people have been either tied up or seriously assaulted.
“It is believed these men were in possession of a firearm, but thankfully they decided not to use it at any point”.
One of the offenders entered the pub through an unsecured bathroom window and unlocked a fire exit to allow his two accomplices into the building.
After entering they then came across the occupants in the living quarters and then proceeded to tie them up with cable ties.
After taking their valuables and emptying the contents of the safe the men then searched the property and came across two more occupants.
The occupants were again bound and tied, before the thieves proceeded to empty the till.
Before leaving, one of the assailants struck a victim across her head with the till, leaving her with a suspected broken jaw.
DC Kerrigan said: “The violent nature of this crime means it is vital we identify and apprehend these men as quickly as possible.
“I am asking anyone who may have information that could help our investigation to call police as a matter of urgency.
“The pub is very close to student accommodation and some flats, so I am hoping that there will be some people in the area who may have seen something suspicious.”
The first offender is described as male, around 5ft 2in tall, slim build, with very blue eyes. He was wearing a black balaclava, dark clothing and sounded young, though was trying to project a deeper sounding voice.
The second man is described as white; around 5ft 10, stocky build and had a local accent. He was wearing a black woolly balaclava.
The third offender is described as black, around 5ft 10in tall, and of average build. He was wearing a black balaclava and dark clothing.
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting incident number 110116/0197 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Image courtesy of Adam Bruderer, with thanks.
